Russia expects stronger ties with Kerala across key sectors

Denis Alipov, Russian Ambassador to India, kicks off the Russian National Day celebrations organized by the Russian Consulate by cutting a cake alongside Mayor VV Rajesh in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday. Russian Honorary Consul Ratheesh C. Nair was also present. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Russia has identified Kerala as a promising partner for expanding cooperation in tourism, healthcare, high-tech, investment and labor mobility, Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov said at a Russia Day reception hosted by Honorary Consul of the Russian Federation and Director of the Russian House Ratheesh C. Nair here on Wednesday.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Alipov said that India occupies a special place in Russia’s foreign policy and that the strategic partnership between the two countries, based on mutual trust and respect, will complete 80 years in 2027.

Highlighting Kerala’s long-standing people-to-people and cultural ties with Russia, the ambassador said the state is well positioned to contribute to a new phase of bilateral cooperation.

Mr. Alipov also spoke about the changing global order and the growing role of emerging economies in shaping international affairs. Referring to platforms such as BRICS, he said cooperation among developing countries is increasingly important in addressing global challenges and promoting balanced economic growth.

Noting that India and Russia have built successful partnerships in areas ranging from defense and space research to trade and education, the Ambassador expressed confidence that new avenues of cooperation would emerge in the coming years.

In his remarks, Thiruvananthapuram Mayor VV Rajesh underlined the importance of regional cooperation in strengthening India-Russia relations and expressed interest in forming a twin-city partnership with the Russian city, subject to government approval.

The writer is an intern at The Hind, Thiruvananthapuram.

Published – 25 Jun 2026 23:14 IST